Associate General Counsel Philanthropy and Taxation

Associate General Counsel for Philanthropy and Taxation

Howard University invites applications for the Associate General Counsel for Philanthropy and Taxation position.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support.

• Work‑Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements.

• Financial Wellness:
Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match.

• Professional Development:
Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths.

• Additional Perks:
Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture.

Basic Function

The purpose of this position is to provide legal representation on behalf of the University in a variety of matters related to development, fundraising, taxation, and philanthropic activities.

Nature and Scope

Internal contacts include a variety of University officials, the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, academic deans and directors, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer, and other key stakeholders. External contacts include alumni, individual and corporate donors, and various contacts from educational organizations.

Principal Accountabilities

• Offer advice and counsel on a wide range of matters and issues related to the endowment, restricted gifts, taxation, and real estate. Work closely with the Offices of Development & Alumni Relations, Real Estate and Finance.

• Draft gift agreements, structure and negotiate capital, endowed, and planned gifts and gifts of non‑marketable assets.

• Counsel on pertinent tax issues and reporting obligations, administer testamentary gifts from trusts and estates, and advise on fundraising initiatives and the administration of the University’s gift‑planning programs.

• Advise on endowment laws and administration, restricted funds analysis and use, cy pres issues, taxation, investments, related business transactions, fiduciary issues and stewardship matters.

• Assist the Office of Human Resources with pension and 403(b) committee matters.

• Review claims and matters that may become legal claims and prepare related correspondence.

• Prepare and supervise preparation of legal documents such as pleadings, dispositive motions, responses to charges and information requests, agreements, opinions and advisory memoranda.

• Provide general counseling and advice on all issues relating to taxation as it pertains to any aspect of the University.

• Independently represent the University in legal quasi‑legal proceedings, including the District of Columbia courts and the federal courts having jurisdiction over District of Columbia matters. May also represent the University in hearings, meetings, and other forums related to University legal matters.

• Draft and negotiate, for subsequent approval by University officers, commitments involving University resources, principally settlements of claims, other agreements and statements of University policy. Reviews documents for other University offices for legal implications and possible legal policy questions.

• Respond to University officials’ requests for advice in areas of responsibility. Serve as office resource on current status of law and emerging legal developments in these areas.

• Provide legal expertise and otherwise represent the office in meetings with University officials and individuals outside the University.

• Stay informed on new and emerging legal issues and regulations on all matters relating to taxation, gifts, donations, or other relevant issues that face a major educational institution.

• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Ability to counsel on pertinent tax issues and reporting obligations, administer testamentary gifts from trusts and estates, and advise on fundraising initiatives and the administration of the University’s gift‑planning programs.

• Ability to review contracts for accuracy, legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws.

• Ability to plan, direct and conduct independent legal research and related analyses on a variety of legal issues.

• Ability to write lucid, persuasive, properly substantiated legal documents and to strengthen…